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Induction
Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Negro Leagues Committee in 1976,
Negro LeaguerBorn: October 14, 1896, in Indianapolis,
Indiana
Died: October 5, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Primary Position: Center Fielder
Bats: L Throws: L
Played For: Indianapolis ABCs (1915-1918, 1920,
1922-1923), New York Lincoln Stars (1915-1916), Bowser's ABCs
(1916), Chicago American Giants (1919), St. Louis Giants (1921),
Harrisburg Giants (1924-1927), Hilldale Daisies (1928-1929),
Homestead Grays (1930-1931), Pittsburgh Crawfords (1932-1938),
Toledo Crawfords (1939), Indianapolis Crawfords (1940), Philadelphia
Stars (1941, 1942-1944, 1946-1950), Brooklyn Brown Dodgers (1945),
Indianapolis Clowns (1954)
Managed: Pittsburgh Crawfords (1932-1938), Philadelphia Stars
(1941, 1942-1944, 1946-1950)
Bio
A multi-talented star, Oscar Charleston was renowned by those who
saw him play as the finest all-around player in Negro leagues
history. A barrel-chested, left-handed hitter, the fiery Charleston
hit for both average and power while revolutionizing defensive play
in center field. His blazing speed, aggressiveness on the base paths
and focused intensity led many to compare him to Ty Cobb. In 60
league games in 1921, he batted .434 while leading the Negro
National League in doubles, triples, home runs and stolen bases.
Quote
"Some people asked me, 'Why are you playing so close to the right
field foul line?' What they didn't know was that Charleston covered
all three fields and my responsibility was to make sure of balls
down the line and those in foul territory."
— Dave Malarcher
Did You Know... that as a member of the St. Louis Giants
of the Negro National League, Oscar Charleston became the first
black player to hit a home run at Sportsman's Park, the longtime
home of the St. Louis Cardinals and Browns?
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